"All Members of Cocoki Have A Dream"

Find out what the dream is by watching the video in this piece. It seems to be a dream of many, many Africans. What do you make of that dream?

A Catch-22 in Ivory Coast

The crisis that followed the troubled presidential elections in Ivory Coast has led to an international political dilemma that may not bode well for the country whichever way this crisis is solved. If the incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo, stands his ground and weathers the storms (the threat of being forcefully removed from power, etc.) he will surely be a dictator and the country will remain almost ungovernable. The fact that he has the support of the army of the country and most people in the south may lead him to be a president of the army and the population that supports him. This will narrow his constituency so much (his international support does not seem clear right now) because the country will remain isolated. This isolation may serve as disincentive to investment in the country and further drive down its economic growth/development prospects. In short, if Gbagbo remains in power, Ivory Coast is going down with him.

However, with the support of the international community, if Alassane Ouattara gains power, he may also be a president of his northern constituency, always being wary of an army that currently does not support him. Well, he may solve the army problem by purging it but this will not remove the threats. Ouattara will always be insecure in power unless something drastic happens to make the army of the country be for him. Further, the fact that his support base is the international community rather than the Ivorian people will make him to be like most African leaders who have the international community, rather than their people, as their base. This again will not bode well for the Ivorians who would be ruled by a person who cares less about their well being than pleasing his international constituencies.

As it now stands, there is going to be no beautiful outcome in Ivory Coast. Gbagbo already spoiled the future of the country by deciding to steal the election. Even if he tells his supporters to now support Ouattara for the good of the country, a move which currently appears to be unlikely, this will be only a lip service. There is now so much bad blood among the supporters of both candidates that it is difficult to see how a future of peace and prosperity can be carved out of the current mess. Whether one is for Gbagbo or Ouattara what needs to be the somber realization is that this coming new year hardly brings good news for Ivory Coast. The politicians have already muddied the future of the country so bad that it is difficult to picture a flourishing scenario for the people. In all this, the people, as usual, are the losers. It is a somber conclusion, but sadly true.

Vatican's Secretive Bank!

Vatican's bank is obviously not in Africa and probably does not do any business with Africans. However, after recent allegations of shady deals at the bank, (allegations that have not been denied by the Vatican), I am beginning to have the impression that the secrecy shrouding the activities of the bank may hide connections with Africa, especially with thieving African leaders. It is of course clear that all banks have elements of secrecy about them but it seems to me that, being a Christian bank, Vatican bank would be different. However, it does not seem so given the profound secrecy with which the bank is run. The bank's activities are replete with unresolved secret dealings that involve links to the Mafia and murder. I would not be surprised by stories like these from a modern, secular nation-state. Given the fact that these stories are coming from a bank run by a religious, nay, Chirstian body that pontificates on morality at every turn, how sincere could some of the church's positions about public morality be?
More specifically, givien that the Pope is a very respected personality in Africa and has good relations with some African leaders, I am beginning to wonder if some of these leaders are not stashing money stolen from their peoples in Vatican bank? How can the Pope then speak against corruption and bad government, like he did when he went to Cameroon in 2009, with moral authority? Can Vatican bank assure African peoples that just like banks in London and Swiss banks, it is not keeping money stolen from Africans by African leaders?

Walmart Going to Africa

Walmart is now eying Africa and making other supermarket investors there nervous. Even more, will the arrival of Walmart make smaller unit retail stores like these disappear, as it happened in the United States? What future, then, for owners of these little stores?

Cell Phones, Banking and Health Care In Tanzania

What is the connection among cell phones, banking and health care? Watch it in this CNN video.

"Death Panel" In A South African Hospital

During the recent debate on expanding the number of people with health insurance in the United States, Sarah Palin (the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate) and her people promoted the expression "death panels" to conjure a fearful time of health care rationing that an overhaul of the insurance system could engender. While their campaign was mainly aimed at fearmongering and has been described as the most blatant political lie of 2009, real death panels are at work in South, deciding who dies and who lives because of inadequate health care. At least in one hospital in South Africa, health care is being rationed because the resources are very limited and that makes the difference between life and death. So, while Sarah Palin and her people used the expression "death panels" to make political points, it is already a reality for some people, especially the poor of South Africa and much of Africa. It is a cruel situation where people live or die based on the size of their wealth. This is not only an African problem although the necessity to fix this cruel situation is even more urgent in the African contexts where there are many poor people than most places around the world.

The Problem With The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures in Senegal

Described as "the biggest celebration of black identity in the world," this festival was initiated by one of the brains behind the intellectual movement known as negritude (blackness), an intellectual movement that took hold especially in French-speaking Africa and its diaspora. That brain was the renowned academic and first president of Senegal, Leopold Sedar Senghor. However, some are beginning to wonder whether such a festival is currently of any use to Africa and its diaspora. Why spend so much money to celebrate blackness when the money could be put to more better use that may improve the material well-being of the people? Why not spend the money to improve transport infrastructure, education, or health care?


Here is the position of yours truly on the matter: It is well and good to celebrate culture and identity and I do not want to be seen as someone who is against the arts - a dominant part of the celebration. However, such celebration will not be needed if there are significant things that can speak about our culture for themselves. We do not need to call attention to ourselves by dancing - as Senghor thought we should - but rather by raising monuments to our civilization. And by raising monuments to our civilization I do not mean building statues and other things like the Pyramids (monuments to the dead!) and the Sphinx of Egypt. I mean improving transportation infrastructures, medical care, education, and the general standards of living. I mean treating our people with dignity and respect and letting them know that they are not only fit to be the refugees and desperate peoples of the world. These things would celebrate our cultures and values more than all the dancing could do. This is a new time that should not be dedicate to the celebration of blackness but to the celebration of our humanity and the humanity of all people.

Is the Violence in Nigeria Religious or Political?

The general media narrative is that the violence is religious but scholars have long indicated that this view is not very accurate. Nigerian religious leaders are now calling out politicians for having a hand in the latest flare up of violence. No doubt there are religious elements in the violence - the suspicion between Christians and Muslims; however, to say that the violence is religious rather than political makes a facile and problematic distinction between politics and religion. It is similar to arguing whether the genocide in Rwanda was ethnic or political. These distinctions can hardly be made given that religious leaders and politicians both utilize religion and ethnicity to boost their political ambitions. The sooner the general media tendency to describe causes of violence in some African countries as either religious or ethnic, seeing them rather as mostly political, the better.

Africa Has Some of the Fastest Growing Economies in the World

A video interview with an African CEO.

If They Complain of Joblessness, Shoot Them

Tunisian government's unenviable repression of its people links the country uncomfortably to the worst of African life. This reaction to a demonstration against the joblessness that young people experience is clearly barbaric. It is despicable that soldiers would fire live weapons at civilians armed with Molotov cocktail. While elsewhere soldiers are involved in fighting wars to protect their citizens, in some African countries, soldiers fight wars against their own people. It's a shame! A country that aspires to be a part of a civilized world should have a better reaction to demonstrations.

Western Lobbyists Help African Dictators

That African countries have been, for the most part, ruled by cruel men (for they have all been men!), is probably well known in both Africa and other parts of the world. What is little known, however, is that many, if not all of these men have a tradition of hiring Western lobbyists to clean their dirty images abroad so that they may gain legitimacy abroad rather than with their own people at home. This is strange, given that many of these dictators have been hoisted on Africa by the West. However, that is the tradition. The latest new hire is Lanny Davis, a former counsel to Bill Clinton. Davis seems to be currently in the employ of two notorious African dictators: the current person who has stolen the Ivorian presidency, Laurent Gbagbo, and the eternal ruler of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema.

Update: Lanny Davis resigns Gbagbo lobbying job. He also needs to resign the Obiang job given that Obiang's dictatorship is worse than Gbagbo's.

Nigeria's Boko Haram On the Spotlight

America's Council on Foreign Relations shines the spotlight on Nigeria's Boko Haram in a video, giving the same tired socio-economic and political explanation for its existence - poverty.

The Complexity of Land

A new global rush for Africa's land may conjure unsavory memories of the partition of Africa. Is this a new partition or an attempt to improve the lives and livelihoods of Africans?

Making Elders Among the Masai of Kenya

A crash course narrated with pictures. Take note of how globalization is manifested among the people.

Ken Saro Wiwa: The Man Oil Killed

One of the foremost advocates for the well-being of the Ogoni people of the Niger Delta in Nigeria, Ken Saro Wiwa, was slain by the politics of oil fifteen years ago. Some of his last words are found here.

The Chorus of Growth Continues

The chorus about the remarkable growth that will soon be happening in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, continues to pile up. Now it is the turn of The Economist. We now wait to see if the sometimes rosy pictures being painted will materialize.

St. Augustine's Country and Its Enormous Cathederal

St. Augustine would have been proud of Algeria and, I think, in the spiritual world, he is frolicking with excitement:  An enormous 19th century cathedral, Our Lady of Africa, has been renovated and re-opened  with pomp and pageantry,  in Algiers - a place with which St. Augustine would have been familiar. The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of religious unity. See pictures and videos of the cathedral.

African Football and the Emergence of China

It seems to be a strange connection but there is actually a link between African football (soccer) and the emergence of China as a global economic and political power. This link was recently manifested during the Club World Cup competition that took place in Abu Dhabi and that saw that rise of TP Mazembe of the DRC. The team reached the final of the tournament and was defeated by Inter Milan of Italy. Some fans thought, wrongly in my view, that the referee had a hand in the defeat of their team. That is where China comes into the picture. Mistaking the Japanese referee for a Chinese, some fans who were already disgruntled with the economic presence of China in DRC went on the rampage in the city of Lubumbashi, destroying Chinese property. And so football and globalization interact in an African city and Africans do not appear to be the winners.

Dick Cheney's Firm Reaches Out Of Court Deal

The corruption charge against Dick Cheney, filed in a Nigerian court, has been dropped after his firm reached an out of court settlement. Now we will never know what really happened, as it was supposed to be. However, we now know that Africa's corruption, just like its politics and economics, also has foreign dimensions. And we now have at least one name that stands for that foreign dimension.

Sudan's Bashir In Heist Row

According to WikiLeaks documents, ICC chairman has information about Sundanese president's stolen money. Bashir is believed to have stolen as much a $9 billion from his country. If this is true, it will be one of the biggest heist ever carried out by an African president. I wonder how much information WikiLeaks has about other African leaders' stolen wealth!

Modernizing Africa's Markets

The case of Dawanau International Market in Nigeria, the largest grain market in West Africa. This is an important market that needs to be modernized.

"Klingon Election"

BBC's Andrew Harding draws inspiration from the film Star Trek to describe a political phenomenon that seems to be gaining ground in some African countries. This is the phenomenon where incumbents reject election results that do not pronounce them victor and orchestrate a situation of power sharing in which they still retain power. It happened in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and now Ivory Coast. Harding does not find the phrase to be very compelling but I believe it should stick - just like those politicians who do not want to go even after they have been booted out of office in an election. They are Klingons.

Important Links

I got these links from Chris Blattman's and William Easterly's blogs:

Africa's Export Successes, Easterly.

What Wikileaks is saying about Africa's failed states.

A Name For African Football

A relatively unknown football (soccer) team in the the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), T. P. Mazembe, today beat Brazil's mighty Internacional to qualify for the final of the Club World Cup currently taking place in Abu Dhabi. This is an important day for African football given that no team outside South America or Europe has ever reached the final of this tournament. See the goals here.
The Club World Cup is a tournament for football clubs that are the champions of their respective continents. T. P. Mazembe is representing Africa. Samuel Eto'o, the versatile Cameroon striker who plies his trade for Inter Milan, could not conceal his joy, even though his team will be meeting Mazembe next.

Nigerian, First Black Member of Poland's Parliament

After a Nigerian was elected as first black mayor in Russia early this year, it is now the turn of Poland to elect a Nigerian as its first black Member of Parliament.

The Plight Of Some Displaced Somali Women

We have heard much about the rape of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but focus has not been placed the fact that some displaced Somali women are undergoing the same fate in their shattered country.

The Ethics of Big Drug Companies In Africa

It is customary for drug companies to do drug trials in developing counties, especially in African countries. With the recent HIV and AIDS pandemic, some African countries have become important sites for such drug trials. The problem, however, has been that such trials appear to manifest dubious ethical standards. Such ethical would hardly be tolerated in the West.

Aside from the controversial HIV and AIDS trials, the trial that has to do with developing Meningitis antibiotics carried out in Nigeria by Pfizer raised eyebrows when it was alleged that the trial led to the death of children. When the company was sued by former Nigerian Attorney General, Michael Aondoakaa, the company attempted to blackmail him. We now know this, thanks to WikiLeaks via New York Times. The big drug companies apparently think that in Africa anything goes.

Speaking of Miracles in Africa

One of my students sent me this article which is the cover story of Foreign Policy magazine. This is, at least, the third significant magazine to take note of the impending economic transformations of Africa. One was from Newsweek and the other was from The Economist. Here is part of the judgment from Foreign Policy:

"Pockets of great risk and instability certainly remain, but the long-term trends look good. Global demand for commodities is rising, and Africa is well positioned to profit. The fastest-growing demand for these raw inputs comes from the world's emerging economies, with which sub-Saharan Africa now conducts half its trade. Africa's production of oil, gas, minerals, and other resources is projected to grow at 2 to 4 percent per year for the next 10 years. At current prices, this will raise the value of resource production to $540 billion by 2020 -- and possibly much higher depending on how commodity prices rise."


Update: The Economist concurs again!

Migration and Poverty Alleviation

Economists are now saying that facilitating migration should be a top priority in fighting poverty in developing countries. The case of Tongan migrants to New Zealand seems to have prompted this view. The same could be true in the case of Africa, especially given that remittances have been shown to have some promise.

The Suspicious Silence of the AU

The current situation in the Ivory Coast is a testament to how far the African Union can go to address a pressing crisis on the continent. The first move that the body made was to send Thabo Mbeki to mediate rather than putting pressure on Gbagbo to step down. Everyone else around the world seems to be putting pressure for Gbagbo to step down but the African Union has been mute. On the Web site of the organization, there is no statement on the Ivorian issue. It is like nothing is happening in Ivory Coast. But there are statements and pictures about a summit in Cancun, a donation from China, etc. Ecowas considers the situation of Ivory Coast to be more pressing the the African Union, a continental body that seems to be busy begging from everyone else around the world rather than serving their people. The body is just as pathetic as the individual states of which it is comprised. I am not sure that Africa needs such a body that does not even have money to run its own affairs and that cannot put pressure on one of its wayward members who is clinging to power at the detriment of its populace.

Update: AU Suspends Ivory Coast. The Ivorian situation is still not central to current AU deliberations. Ecowas, rather than the AU, was the first to suspend Cote d'Ivoire. AU has to be make this matter central to its current deliberations. This has to be reflected on its Web site.

Colonialism and Development Outcomes

A recent study in Cameroon shows that British colonialism had better outcome for economic development than French colonization. This confirms what many ordinary people in Africa already know. French speaking African countries are among some of the most impoverished and conflict-ridden than English-speaking ones. See Chad, CAR, DRC, Ivory Coast, Niger, etc. Compare these to Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, etc. No wonder Paul Kagame of Rwanda had to cut the French umbilical cord in order to work for the development of his country. France sucks the blood of French-speaking African countries. It has not had much luck extending its rapaciousness to English-speaking African countries.

No Power-Sharing in Ivory Coast

There should be no power-sharing in Ivory Coast in the aftermath of the stolen presidential election. It will serve as incentive for future stealing of elections since incumbents would think that if they steal elections, it would lead to mediation and power-sharing deals. This is what happened in Zimbabwe, leading to the current intractable deadlock in that country. Gbagbo, like Mugabe, lost the election; he must vacate the presidency. Period. Talk of power-sharing deal should be off the table and the appropriate pressure must be put on Gbagbo to leave the presidency.

Updates: African press calls for Gbagbo to go.

In Pictures: Era of Humiliation

Here.

For-Profit Philanthropy: A Contradiction?

There is a series that is running on CNBC in United States called Executive Vision. It is a series where business leaders and academics meet to discuss some of the pressing economic issues of our time. Today's program centered on philanthropy and one of the issues raised was the possibility of for profit philanthropy, a phenomenon that has evolved out of the Grameen Bank of Muhammad Yunus. The matter of those who have used Yunus' micro-finance idea to evolve banks that now charge poor people up to 90% interest on loan was raised. It was within this framework that the idea of for profit philanthropy was discussed. If I understood the matter well, the argument was that profit could be made from philanthropic ventures. In fact, some even argued that philanthropy may work better within the framework of profit-making.

The argument that philanthropy may work well within the framework of profit-making made me to go to the dictionary to look for the meaning of the word "philanthropy." I saw that the word has a Greek background that means one who loves humanity NOT one who loves profit. In fact, descriptions of philanthropy connect it to "gift". Seen from this background, it appears that the very idea of philanthropy militates against profit making, especially the kind of profit made by big businesses. The profit made by big businesses seems to have more to do with love of self or shareholders than love of humankind. That is probably why Yunus refrains from endorsing those who are striking it rich through exploitation of the poor in the name of micro-finance. The idea of for profit philanthropy seems to be just a means by which greedy business people want to hijack Yunus' idea for their own benefit. For-profit philanthropy is a contradiction since philanthropy seems to be about gift giving rather than profit making. Those who make exorbitant profit out of micro-finance are no longer doing micro-finance. They are now bankers not for the poor, as Yunus envisaged it, but against the poor.

Ivory Coast: Africa's Current Sore Spot

The crisis that has ensued from the Presidential election in Ivory Coast has led the African Union (AU) to step in to mediate the situation. The former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, has been asked to lead the the mediation. In yours truly's view, there will be no happy outcome to this mediation, especially considering Mbeki's dismal record in Zimbabwe which is still in crisis today. What this requires is pressure. For AU to show seriousness, pressure has to be put on Gbagbo to step down with immediate effect. He lost the election and, in a democracy, those who lose elections normally leave office. Ouatara is Ivory Coast's rightful president. Period. There is nothing to negotiate. African leaders must reject Gbagbo if they are serious about promoting democracy in the continent. Because most African leaders are used to stealing elections themselves, they simply want to help Gbagbo manipulate the situation as they love to do. This is an awful and sickening situation for a continent that is struggling to lift itself out of international ignominy. Such a brazen act of banditry must not be allowed to ruin the continent.

Engineering Electoral Mess In Ivory Coast: Ask France

First, the opposition candidate was declared winner of the current Presidential election in Ivory Coast, receiving congratulations from both the United States and the United Nations. But the United States and the United Nations do not pull the strings in Ivory Coast - France does. No one  whom France does not like can be president in Ivory Coast. That is why France's preferred candidate, the incumbent president, has now been declared winner by the government rather than the independent electoral commission. It is a shame how foreign powers still pull the strings in Africa. And when all is said and done, Ggagbo will remain president, the mess will continue, and the country will keep descending into the abyss France is designing for it.

Update: It was reported today that French President Sarkozy congratulated the Ivorian opposition candidate for winning the election. But his statement does not seem to be against the incumbent president who has already been sworn in. Perhaps this is just a public transcript to mask a private support for the incumbent president who has stolen the elections already.

What Does WikiLeaks Have For Africa?

The recent release of secret US diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks also throws lights on US-Africa relations, among others.

Giving and Taking Bribes in Nigeria

See the international companies and individuals who contribute to the epidemic of bribery in Nigeria. Hint: a former US vice president is being accused. Giving bribes to enhance chances for contracts in Nigeria does not only violate the law in Nigeria; it also violates US laws.

Update: Dick Cheney sued in Nigeria.

Today Is World AIDS Day!

The issue of HIV and AIDS is still an emergency is many African countries. Listen to a heartbreaking but inspirational story here and see the advise of some medical practitioners in the United States here. See the story and work of Magic Johnson here.

Foreign Policy's 2010 Top 100 Global Thinkers

The 2010 Foreign Policy list for the top 100 global thinks includes about 8 Africans such as Mo Ibrahim (# 52), Kwame Anthony Appiah (# 46), Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I am, however, most gratified by the mention of two Africans: the first is the Botswana judge,  Unity Dow (# 97), whose work is not limited only to the courtroom but also includes fighting against HIV and AIDS and writing books. The second is Ory Okolloh of Kenya (# 59), tech guru and founder of the Ushahidi, the network that allows cell phone users to map emergency situations. I am disappointed that we do not find African scientists or economists on the lists.

Africans Dying to Reach Europe or Wherever

In spite of the recent talk about life getting better in Africa, leading to some who have been out of the continent to return home, there is a growing epidemic of young Africans risking their lives as they attempt to leave the continent for greener pastures in other climes. It is a heartbreaking story which needs to be addressed by African governments. It is a pity that little is heard of this growing epidemic in spite of the fact that scores of young people have drowned in oceans trying to leave their countries. Sometimes these migrants are shot at by Egyptian or Israeli soldiers as they attempt to cross into Israel. Any country which leads its citizens to resort to such desperate measure to migrate demonstrates its lack of regard for its peoples. Many African leaders are not people who are known for caring about the well being of their people. It is no wonder that young people are increasingly being driven to take such desperate measures to leave their countries for greener pastures. This practice brings continuous shame on the continent and it needs to be addressed posthaste.

Climate Change in Mali

Pictures of how climate change is putting stress on the lives of people in a Malian town. Plus a lesson in conflict resolution.

Debating Citizenship in African Politics

The issue of one's birth place has been crucial in running for political leadership in postcolonial Africa. Many have been disqualified or threatened with disqualification to run for a particular position because of issues surrounding their place of birth. Much of this seems to be the work of political manipulation rather than genuine concern that a country be run only by its citizens. The matter of citizenship in African politics in debated/discussed here.

Religion and Politics in Tanzania

A quiet, intricate dance between Muslims and Christians in recent Tanzanian politics is described here.

Stock Exchanges Eying Africa

The continent appears to be increasingly important in international business. If only the leaders of the continent would recognize this and make the best use of the interest being shown the continent by international businesses!

Paul Biya in Fraud Charge

Cameroon's President for 28 years, Paul Biya, is denying charges of embezzlement of public funds brought against him in France by some Cameroonians in the Diaspora. One of the best services that can be done for Cameroon is that this case be properly investigated. Considering France's shady relations with French African countries, especially Cameroon (Paul Biya once called himself the best pupil of former French President Francois Mitterrand), it is not clear that such investigation will be conducted.

An Islamic Festival in Northern Nigeria

Watch.

Doing Opera in South Africa

Watch.

Is There a Balm in Gilead for HIV?

Apparently, say news reports, even though the report card about the containment of the virus is mixed. But is the state of health care in Africa up to the task of fighting the virus?

Invention, Innovation, or Another Form of Debit Card?

A new method of transfering money making waves in Kenya. It looks like a new form of debit card to me. What do you think?

Hosni Mubarak Should Go!

Why should Hosni Mubarak not run for the presidency of Egypt again? The reason is simple: he has been there for too long already. No president anywhere in the world should be in power for more than ten years. Period. Hosni Mubarak has been there for twenty-nine years already. His other comrades in Africa are Dos Santos of Angola, Paul Biya of Cameroon, Qaddafi of Libya, and Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Each of these autocrats have been in power for twenty or more years. African leaders must stop seeing themselves as saviors.

Affirmative Action At The University of Cape Town: A Thorny Issue

The University of Cape Town, like much of South Africa, is caught in the affirmative action debate. Is affirmative action a fair system? Does it not say that black students who benefit from it are somehow inferior to their white counterpart? Does it not challenge the ideal of a non-racial society which South Africa is supposed to be? These are thorny issues. It must however not be forgotten that the very idea of affirmative action has been necessitated by the cruel system that was apartheid. Things cannot just go on after apartheid as if everything was normal during that period. While the idea of affirmative action is problematic, it must not be forgotten that it was meant to redress historic injustices. That system must not be lightly dismissed without putting in place another system that takes care of those who were historically disadvantaged by the cruel apartheid system. It must not be forgotten that South Africa is supposed to be a non-racial society but it is not yet so. Even more, the issue of class is crucial to the debate even though the injustice of class is far less critiqued than that of race. It is, however, good that South Africa is having this debate now.

African Businesses: At Home and Abroad

See how African fashion business is going global and a South African businessman who beat the apartheid odds.

On Not Copying Ethnocentrism

This piece from the East African seems to be about the call for African writers to transcend their narrow boundaries until one realizes that what it calls for - that African writers ridicule the mores of the West just as the West ridiculed ours - is, to say the least, simply stupid. Of the many productive things that African writers can do, it seems strange that a serious writer would see ridiculing others as a top priority. Why should we condemn th ethnocentrism of the West only to turn around and do the same thing? To say that Africans have not critiqued the ways of the West is to overstate the case, ignoring works such as Cheikh Hamidou Kane' Ambiguous Adventure, among others.

If This is Angola . . .

An Angolan journalist's impression of his country is that the country is suffering from rapacious plunder by members of the ruling elite - the same old story in many African countries. If that story is true, and I suspect it is because many such stories have come out of Angola recently, then the country is not going down a very promising road. A country cannot prosper when the ruling elite sit on the resources of the country and make the country a police state as seems to be the case in Angola.

China's Abuse in Africa

China carries its lack of respect for human rights to Africa. See what they are doing in Zambia. Why must foreign investment be coupled with maltreatment of African peoples? Why must African leaders allow China to maltreat Africans. Is it in fact the case that African leaders have no spine, as they have repeatedly shown from colonial to neo-colonial times? It appears that the government of Zambia is doing the bidding of the Chinese just as they did the bidding of the British during colonial times. It is a shame that African leaders cheapen the lives of their own people. Instead of pressing the Chinese investors to treat their people with dignity and respect, Zambian leaders are making excuses.

Pope Benedict's Condom Problem

Pope Benedict XVI's radical condemnation of condom as even contributing to the spread of HIV has undergone some modification, sort of.

Some Observations on Religion in Africa

Scholars have recently focused on the growth of Christianity in the southern hemisphere and how African Christianity may soon be influencing world Christianity. In my book in argued that African Christianity will continue to be marginalized even if the number of Christians increase because the continent plays a marginal role in global geopolitics and economics. This is clearly manifested in the recent appointment of new Cardinals by the Vatican. Of the 24 new Cardinals recently appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, 15 are Europeans (10 Italians) and 7 (4 Africans) come from the southern hemisphere (aka non-Western world). So much for the influence of non-Western Christianity, especially in the Roman Catholic Church where the center is still in Italy.

Scholars have also been talking about how the religious imagination that stresses the ubiquity of the miraculous is sweeping the continent, especially sub-Saharan Africa. However, this Pew Research poll from Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo challenge that observation. Even though this is only a single poll, there may be something to be said for the views expressed in it. Click on each country and scroll down to see how many people say they have experienced elements of the miraculous in each country.

America's War On Terror to Go To Africa

"The extremist threat that's emerging from East Africa is probably the greatest concern that Africa Command will face in the near future," Ham told the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday, during a hearing on his nomination.

Ten Things You Can Learn From A Nigerian

With so much bad publicity going out against Nigerians, someone is standing up for the people.

New Nigeria Cinema (aka Nollywood)

Nigeria's movie industry, Nollywood, has not been taken seriously in international cinema circles for reasons having to do largely with the quality of its movies. Now, some enterprising Nigerians are planning to change all that.

Confessions Of An Aid Critic

Referring to a hard-hitting piece, William Easterly clarifies his position on aid (as he often does). The piece concludes:
"Most of us believe that humanitarian aid is a morally pure way to respond to suffering in the world. But what if our good intentions are just a newer version of colonialism? That’s what Mr. Gill thinks. “The colonial mindset of ‘we-know-best’ has surely persisted,” he writes. The trouble is that we haven’t learned the difference between doing good and feeling good. Until we do, many of our aid efforts will be worse than useless."
The position of the aid critics would appear to be supported by this story of aid workers stealing aid money.

Madagascar: Bringing Back Memories of Old Africa

With the relative quiet of the 2000s, one would have thought that the time when the military was prone to taking over power in Africa was long over. With the recent military takeovers in Guinea and Niger, and now Madagascar, one may be forgiven for thinking that the image of old Africa as a place of coups and counter-coups is not quite gone.

Interesting Links

1. Mystery: why are the bank accounts of African diplomatic missions in the US being closed?
2. Christians do battle with Muslims in Egypt.
3. South African Muslims cycle to the hajj.
4. I am an African and a Norwegian.
5. Does aid promote repression in Africa?

Coming Next to Africa: A New Country

Find out which new country may be born in Africa soon and what their needs are.

Cameroon's Budget Problem

The government of Cameroon seems to be suffering from an inability not only to make its budget transparent but also to figure out where the money for the budget will come. The government could not even take in enough revenue to cover last year's budget but its current budget is more than last year's.

Speaking of Indigenous Music in Africa

Listen to the glorious classical music made by the Orchestra of the Kimbanguist Church in Kinshasa.

African War-Mongers and Their International Ties

See some of the international ties of war-making in the Congo (DRC) here and here.

Lost In Translation

Words that are hard to translate.

8. Ilunga

Tshiluba (Southwest Congo) – A word famous for its untranslatability, most professional translators pinpoint it as the stature of a person “who is ready to forgive and forget any first abuse, tolerate it the second time, but never forgive nor tolerate on the third offense.” 

Eking Out A Living In Kenya's Kibera Slum

This video will take your breath away with its mixture of despair and determination.

What Politicians Would Do For Votes

It is a truth universally acknowledged that politicians would do anything, I mean anything, for votes. The latest ploy is to take up rapping. See how African politicians are doing in this new business of sucking up to voters.

Other Interesting Links

1. The Real Size of Africa.
2. Uganda's Oil. Museveni in oil.
3. Oil Destroys Nigeria.
4. Ghana's Coffins.
5. How Should Journalists Cover Aid?
6. King Tut artifacts goes back to Egypt.

Specters of Colonialism

I have in the past reported about empty spaces in Africa, those places where the government of a particular country has no sway. These places are sometimes in the hands of rebels like the LRA or Al Shabaab. This weakness of African governments have led to remorseless talk about Western intervention, as obtained during colonialism. This article from The Economist is, without any reservation, begging the US to intervene in Uganda, or wherever the LRA is, to stop Joseph Kony and his murderous pack. It is even noted, as if it is normal, that France has a permanent military base in CAR from where it intervenes in various African countries. Only about Africa can one make such baldfaced imperialistic plea without any reservations. Why can't Museveni and the leaders of CAR and DRC fight their war? Why can't they protect their people? And The Economist picked the perfect picture to make its case for the recolonization of Africa.

Following The Money

France investigating some rapacious African leaders. Is it more than just a charade?
"Quoting French police investigations dating back to 2007, it said President Obiang owned vehicles worth more than 4m euros, the late Bongo and his relations had 39 homes, and Mr Sassou Nguesso and his relations held 112 bank accounts."

Life Expectancy: The Not So Good News for Africa

Although it has recently been reported that some African countries have improved in terms of human development, the life expectancy of some countries is still akin to that of biblical times. Take a look at this.

Africa's Trade Geography

An interesting map of Africa's trade geography with the rest of the world. It is described as "the structural subjugation of Africa through unequal trade relations." Equal trade relations is never given in international relations; it is taken. Africa needs to make equal trade relations happen. That is what China and India have done, although it seems inaccurate to compare countries with a continent! (I got this story from Chris Blattman's blog.)

Should the San Be Removed From Their Homeland?

Should the San of Botswana, otherwise known as Bushmen, be removed from their homeland for purposes of conservation? Is the move for their own good or the overreaching of government?

Paul Biya: 28 Years in Power

 From left to right: Paul Biya, his wife Chantal, Pope Benedict XVI
Cameroon's dictator, Paul Biya, will be 28 years in power November 6, 2010. It is remembered as a sad milestone in the country.

Where To Do Business in Africa

The World Bank rates African countries. Go to school on how to do business in Africa here. See an example of a new business venture here.

The Diamond You Wear: Now See How It Is Made

See the complex process of putting the finishing touches to a rough diamond in Botswana.

Eto'o and Drogba Among the World's Best

The Cameroonian striker, Samuel Eto'o and the Ivorian striker, Didier Drogba, are among the best in the world. Eto'o has especially been at the top of his game this season and for this he is seen as probably being the best in the world today. One commentator put the matter best:  "if you had to choose a striker to convert a chance upon which your life depended, who would it be?" Probably a better question would be: "what is it that makes Africans excel, especially when they are outside the continent than when they are in it?"

UNDP Says Development Aid Works

UNDP, that branch of the United Nations responsible for working with aid groups, says development aid works! It is like newspaper journalists saying newspapers are helpful means to circulate the news! We should not expect them to say that the Internet or TV does a better job. Why? Saying so will put them out of business. The UNDP is itself partly dependent on aid to stay alive, so, aid works!
"The UN Development Programme's report concludes that since 1970 there has been significant progress - often underestimated until now - and that the fastest progress has been in some of the poorest countries. It also concludes that aid works." Also see this NYT report about the level of human development around the world since 1970.

Angola's Dos Santos

 The President of Angola, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, has been in power for 31 years and he will be campaigning for 8 more years in 2012. Under any circumstance, this would be a political travesty; in the context of an Angola which has not seen much progress during the 31 years, Dos Santos should resign. It is a shame that he is still politicking to remain in power.

Dos Santos

Rwanda Gets the Message

Rwanda gets the message that Africa's future lies in robust economic development. Paul Kagame is at his worst when he crushes opposition but at his best when he is putting Rwanda on the road to economic development. As I have said before, economic development must not be the opposite of other freedoms.

Contrasts in Botswana

Amazing stories of contrasting lifestyles in Botswana. Compare this story to this one and figure out what it says about the country.

Is Russ Feingold's Loss a Loss For Africa

This commentary from Africa claims that Russ Feingold's loss in the just ended congressional elections in the US is a loss for Africa. Russ Feingold is a Democrat from Wisconsin. He is said to have championed causes that are important for a flourishing Africa.

First Ladies Are Also Guilty

Much of the blame for Africa's poor performance in the modern world has rightfully been heaped on the heads of the men who have been the leaders of many African countries. It is often forgotten that their wives are sometimes also culprits in this ignominious despoliation of the continent. This recent study shows how First Ladies in Nigeria also actively participate in the exploitation to which their husbands are champions.

Should A Highway Be Built Across the Serengeti in Tanzania?

Watch this video for the debate and decide. If you have been following this blog, you can tell where yours truly stands on the matter.

In Cameroon, Oil Exploitation Brings No Benefit

See this heartbreaking story of a thrown-away village in Cameroon, living medieval life in the 21st century, in spite of the fact that the oil in their region is being exploited with the blessing of the government of Cameroon:

 "Oil exploration here comes with soil and water pollution as well as various gases. We are no longer safe because the oil in our land seems to be a curse rather than a blessing. The ecosystem is affected, our once fertile soils are going barren, yet we don't have anything. These are the words of Chief Joseph Fete of Boa-Bolondo village in Bamusso Sub-division. Boa-Balondo is a village along the Nigerian borders with an estimated population of 3 500 people.

Here the Nigerian Naira is threatening to floor the Cameroonian FCFA in a show of the legal tender strength. But trade by barter is what moves and shakes the local economy here. "We exchange cassava, plantains for fish with Nigerian Fishermen at the bench," Chief Fete told The Post. Though a border village, Boa- Balondo is at the mercy of fate. It has no police post and it is still the traditional institution, the local Epke society that handles criminal offences like adultery, abortion, murder and theft.

Malaria: The Goal Must be Eradication, Everywhere

It is being reported that the respected medical journal, The Lancet, has published a series of articles which suggest that in some contexts, such as sub-Saharan Africa, it would be better to endeavor to control malaria rather than shooting for its elimination. Some of the papers contend, it is reported, that poor infrastructure and limited financial resources make efforts at eradication of this disease somehow unrealistic. Given that there are places in the world where malaria once rode roughshod but where the disease no longer exist today, it is clear that the disease can be eliminated. To suggest that in the case of Africa the immediate goal should not be the eradication of the disease is simply irresponsible and even racist. These reports may just be sensational because some of the articles aim toward elimination of the disease. However, for news reports to stress control rather than elimination in the case of sub-Saharan Africa is patronizing, to say the least.

Killing People to Save Animals

There are those who believe that humans should be killed when the well-being of animals such as elephants is at stake. There is, however, something drastically wrong when those who are mostly killed for this reason are Africans. I have reported before how people are killed in Kenya to protect animals. It has happened again. It is a shame that there should be a strong order to shoot and kill "poachers"  while there does not appear to be any significant push to address why they go poaching. This blatant disregard for African life must stop.

Africa: The World's Breadbasket

This article discusses how Africa can become the future site where much food is grown to feed the rest of the world. A Hopeful picture.

Cameroonians Die in a Nigerian Church

T. B. Joshua is the name of an extremely popular Pentecostal preacher in Nigeria. People flock to his church from all over the world seeking health and well-being. This report is about the death of two young Cameroonians who embarked on this journey but died in the process of exorcism. It is, to say the least, a very sad state of affairs that churches are taking the place of hospitals in much of Africa.

South Africa's Ruling Elite Despoiling Their People

Is the South African ruling elite going the way of all ruling elites in post-colonial Africa? This outburst of rage against them by a trade union leader in the country seems to suggest so. If it is true that the South African ruling elites are getting rich on the sweat and blood of their own people, they will just be the latest example in the sad chapters unfolding in the life of the African postcolony. It will be a shame for the South African ruling elite to be robbing their own people when, during the apartheid years, these elites seemed to care so much about the oppressed of this same people.

No Ethnic Tensions in Tanzania?

This report points out how the ethnic tensions evident in other African countries, tensions that usually flare up in violence during elections, are absent in Tanzania, a country made up of many ethnic groups. This lack of tension is credited to the policies of Julius Nyerere who banned traditional chiefs, who are sometimes seen as symbols of division, the lack of preferential treatment of any ethnic group, and the prevalence of inter-ethnic marriages in Tanzania. These are claims that obviously need to be tested social scientifically to see if we here have elements that may contribute in reducing ethnic tensions elsewhere on the continent.

How Does A Failed State Look Like?

See it here.

George Ayittey's List of World's Dictators

The Ghanaian economist, George Ayittey, has his axe to grind with the world's strongmen (and all of the are men) in the Foreign Policy magazine list. Quite a number of them are from Africa. The list is currently making a wave in Ugandan politics because Museveni is on it.

Do-It-Yourself Foreign Aid

An informative piece from Nicholas Kristof. See rebuttals from Foreign Policy magazine here and another one here.

Africa Red in Corruption

The Transparency International Corruption Perception Index for 2010 is out. Of the 178 countries surveyed, an African country (Botswana) first shows up in 33rd position. Many of them are at the bottom of the pile. What message does this put across?

World Bank Apologizes for Displaying Offensive Images of Ghan

"the World Bank portrayed Ghana as a country full of hungry and miserable people." A vigilant Ghanaian journalist saw the spite and raised the alarm. Thank God for the Internet!

Brain Drain Helps Democracy . . .

In India and Mexico, say political scientists.

Ethiopian Famine Is Not Natural Disaster

An interesting book and review that challenge the portrayal of the famine that devastated Ethiopia decades ago as natural, rather than human-made, disaster.

Sex and the Strongman

A salacious and devastating story for Mugabe. It could be a more difficult battle to fight than all the others he has fought.

The Making of Africa's first Woman President

A well-written NYT story on Ellen John Sirleaf, Liberia's current president and the first elected woman president in Africa. The story fluctuates between inspiration and despair. I like Ellen as a strong woman but she should not be elected Liberia's president again. She promised to be president for one term only. Now, like other male presidents in Africa, she wants to squeak in a second. Before we know it, it will be a third, and a fourth, and so on, on to who knows how long. My position is not based on whether she has done a good or a poor job during her current tenure. It is simply based on the principle that if a person says they want to run only for one term, they should stick to that. It does not matter how good or even how poor a job they do. The Messiah complex must be uprooted in Africa. We do not need messiahs. We need people who simply make their honest contribution and then quit the scene for others. Period.

Finally, UNESCO Dumps Obiang!

Those who have been following this blog as no strangers to Mr. Obiang Nguema, the dictator of the tiny African country of Equatorial Guinea. To improve his image, he gave a science prize lump sum of $3 to UNESCO, a prize which was to carry his name. After months of vigorous criticism of this move, UNESCO is only now declining the gesture from this notorious dictator. For more on this fiasco, see this piece.

This is a different piece about the poor planning of African cities in the same blog.

First Black Mayor in the Eastern Bloc

A Ghanaian-born doctor, Mr. Bossman, becomes the first black mayor of the eastern block in the country of Slovenia.

Forced Marriages in Africa and the Men Who Promote Them

A Nigerian Senator and a father of a bride cut the deal; the court approves.

An African President Speaks: There is Life After the Presidency

Seeing African presidents who have hung onto power till death, one would be excused for thinking that there is no life after the presidency. Ghanaian former president, John Kufuor, gives the lie to that.

Empty Spaces in Cote d'Ivoire

There are empty spaces in many African countries, spaces where the reach of government is unknown. Such spaces are found in much of central and West Africa. Cote d'Ivoire, where rapacious gangs are currently running amok in the West of the country, is just the latest example.

Ethiopia in Washington, D.C.

Growth of an Ethiopian community in Washington, D.C., USA.

Ghanaian Farmers and Divine Chocolate

Ghanaian farmers' involvement in the transformation of cocoa to chocolate through Divine Chocolate encourages cocoa growing and improves the lives of communities.

How To Invest in Africa: Learning from the Pro

Which are the strategic areas of investment in Africa today? Should Africa "suffer from a low self-esteem"? Will Africa become a major supplier of food to the world in the future? These questions and more are addressed in this CNN video.

Of Miracles and Human Capacity

This story is not particularly about Africa but it is relevant to a flourishing Africa because of its discourse on miracles and human ingenuity. Even though the two do not need to be so divided as evidenced in the article, its message is still relevant to contemprary Africa. After all, I remember a wise African who once borrowed this expression from a wise Englishman: "Who can know Africa who only Africa knows?"

The Crisis Caravan

A naysayer to humanitarian aid. "Sowing horror to reap aid, and reaping aid to sow horror, Polman argues, is 'the logic of the humanitarian era.' In case after case, a persuasive case can be made that, overall, humanitarian aid did as much or even more harm than good."
Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2010/10/11/101011crat_atlarge_gourevitch#ixzz12m3UWJLQ

Daily Life in Dakar: In Pictures

NYT Lens column.

Cold War and Colonial Solidarities Remain

South Africa, one of the giants of Africa and currently a two-year member of the Security Council of the UN, seems to be maintaining Cold War ties and solidarity with African leaders of questionable reputation, to the annoyance of some commentators. South Africa's current attitude is blamed on its current president, Jacob Zuma, with the suggestion that Nelson Mandela was far more concerned about promoting human rights than maintaining questionable alliances. Suggesting that  Mandela's concern for human rights could tromp his desire to maintain Cold War alliances seems an overstatement of the case. During a visit to South Africa when he was President of the United States, Bill Clinton had complained about South Africa's ties with Libya. To the raucous laughter of those attending a press conference given by Clinton and Mandela during this visit, Mandela unpolitically told Clinton that the ANC government would not abandon those who came to its aid during its fight against apartheid. That meant maintaining continuous friendship with Libya. Zuma's much criticized actions may be counter productive to both the interest of South Africa and Africa as a whole but it is not against Mandela's views. African countries in general and South Africa in particular may want to rethink the strategy of simply standing against the West, as some did during the Cold War and paid heavily for it, even when this is not in their interest.

How to Reform Scammers in Nigeria

A very informative article on how some scammers are being reformed in Nigeria. They are being helped to use the skills they have developed as scammers for legitimate employment. This will not bring an end to scamming, which will go on for as long as needy and gullible human beings remain, but it will limit the number of people who ply the illegitimate trade.

Sumo in Nigeria

A sign of the increasing dynamism of African societies that this Japanese sport has been introduced in Nigeria by a Nigerian.

The Tradition and Science of Yam in Nigeria

The New Yam Festival is an old tradition among the Ibos of Nigeria reported in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. This tradition continues today amidst scientific concerns about the future of yam.

Free Newspapers in Mozambique

An ingenious idea to distribute newspapers for free in Mozambique. Find out how here.

Abandoning HIV Treatment For Religion in Uganda: A Bad Idea!

Abandoning HIV treatment for religious cures, as is currently the case in Uganda, is a bad idea in any universe. Preachers who promote such a move are simply irresponsible and dangerous to the health of the continent as a whole. What is wrong with continuing such treatments while practicing religious devotions at the same time?

What's the Need for Elections in Guinea Conakry?

An interesting situation is developing in Guinea Conakry. The two candidates vying for the presidency of the country have agreed to include each other in their government, whatever the outcome of the election. Now, this may be a very good move to bring unity in the country; but one may begin to wonder the price that is paid for such unity. One wonders whether such a deal is intended to serve the interest of the people or that of politicians who just want to hang on to power for longer. Or could it be that a new form of electoral politics is emerging in that country? Let's wait and see.

The Politics of Aid: America's "Donation" to Africa

Read this NYT article and try to determine how this "donation" is supposed to work. Who is it supposed to benefit? African schools or American medical schools? Africans? Americans? Both? Who benefits more? Intriguing, this business of aid.

Sudan May Be Additional Source of Food For Egypt

Egypt is signing an agreement with Sudan to grow cereals in Sudan. This is one way African countries can build sufficient trust for the eventual unity of the continent. African Countries have more in common than is usually admitted. The legacy of long relationship between Egypt and Sudan continues.

A Sinner Not A Saint: The Mandela Letters and Papers

Mandela's musings about himself and his relationships appear in a book pieced together from letters and papers he wrote before, during, and after his imprisonment. In one of these papers, he wrote:
"One issue that deeply worried me in prison was the false image I unwittingly projected to the outside world; of being regarded as a saint. I never was one, even on the basis of the earthly definition of a saint as a sinner who keeps trying." See this "60 Minutes" report on the book here.

Unesco Must Rescind Tainted Obiang Prize

After the international outcry against accepting the prize money which the dictator of Equatorial Guinea has given Unesco, one would think that the organization would not have much difficulty rejecting the tainted gift. Unesco, however, seems to be dragging its feet about rejecting the money. Of the many reasons that have been given why the money should not be accepted, a basic one is that the money is stolen money. Obiang Nguema, the dictator of Equatorial Guinea, has stolen money from his poor people in his thirty years of misrule and now wants to whitewash his name by establishing a prize through Unesco. This money must be rejected as stolen money. Taking this money says that Unesco is encouraging theft by people in high places in Africa.

Senegal Steps in to Help Haiti

In an important move by an African country, Senegal steps in to help Haiti, a country still suffering from the earthquake that devastated it earlier this year. Find out how here.

Desmond Tutu Retires

Desmond Tutu, the famous former archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and consummate politician, pulls back from the limelight today, at age 79. He has been a voice for peace and justice in the world, a true elder, a pastor in the true sense of the word.

Better to "Face the Truth About Our Weaknesses" - Jerry Rawlings

In assessing achievement of the past 50 years of African independence, former Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings, made this insightful remark: "the point is to be able to face the truth about our weaknesses, to take each other a little bit more seriously and to be able to take on the world especially other more powerful countries from a position of strength and not persistently from a position of weakness". It is a remark to be taken seriously.

African Faces of American Football

Prominent Africans in American football: Nnamdi Asomugha (Nigeria), plays for Oakland Raiders; Ndamukong Suh (Cameroon), plays for Detroit Lions; Madieu Williams (Sierra Leone), plays for Minnesota Vikings.

The Debate Continues: Of What Good is Aid to Africa?

See parts of it here and here. Also see the new book, Why Africa is Poor: And What Africans Can Do About It (Penguin, 2010) by Greg Mills. See a synopsis of the book here and a video of the author speaking about the book here.

Gamu Nhengu: The Sensation, The Difficult Story

Before she became a sensation on the UK talent show X Factor, Gamu Nhengu was an unknown 18-year old daughter of a single mother from Zimbabwe. Gamu and her mother had been living on a student visa in Scotland but the visa has expired and they have been denied extension. Now the Home Office says they must return to Zimbabwe. This order has ended her run on the talent show which is the equivalent of American Idol. This might not have happened if she had come from a wealthier and prosperous country. Just an aspect of the indignities Africans suffer from a supposedly globalized and globalizing world. What may become of Gamu's vision is up in the air for now. See more of Gamu's story here and here.

Africa: Doing Better Economically, Doing Worse in Governance

So says the Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2010 Index. This Index is one of the best ways to assess how African countries are doing economically and politically. It measures aspects such as safety and rule of law, political participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunity, and human development. According to the Index, Mauritius ranks #1 and Somalia ranks last, of the 53 countries surveyed. South Africa is #5, Nigeria #40. See the Index here. By the look of things, African countries seem to be following the model of China - limited political participation, enhanced economic development? But must the two be mutually exclusive?

Rebranding the African Diaspora, Rebranding Africa

There is an increasing number of media networks in the Diaspora aimed at addressing issues of interest to Africans in the Diaspora even as they bring issues pertinent to the well-being of the African continent to the fore. Ben TV from the UK is one of them. We still need more serious media outlets that will shine the critical light on crucial social, cultural, economic and political issues from both the perspectives of the Diaspora and those on the continent. This will seem to be one of the best ways those in the Diaspora and in the continent may contribute in the transformation of the continent. Imagine credible TV, radio or new media outlets based in the Diaspora that can hold African leaders accountable, especially on their foreign visits. This may hopefully break the cycle of African leaders' penchant to grant audience to media that do not even push the interests of Africans, like this one, especially when they visit overseas.

Rethinking Darfur

In spite of the apparently persistent spotlight placed on Darfur, the tragedy of that space is still with us. Mamood Mamdani, a respected African political scientist, shines the light on why this is still the case in a new book.

The Debate Continues: Of What Good is Aid to Africa?

The debate about aid to Africa continues in The Economist.

Is There A Second Genocide In The Great Lakes Region?

A recent UN report about the possible genocide against the Hutus in the Congo is raising anger especially in Rwanda and Uganda.

It's Brain Circulation; Not Brain Drain

A Ghanaian economist at New York University, Yaw Nyarko, argues that rather than talking of brain drain, we should instead talk of brain circulation. Educated Africans who leave the continent for greener pastures abroad are not just robbing the continent of valuable talents; they, in turn, give back to Africa in ways that contribute to the growth and well being of the people there. Listen to his comments here and read some responses here.

The Elders Pledge to End Child Marriage

Child marriage is a bane that upends the future of many young girls around the world. The Elders have promised to fight to end the practice, describing it as "a major brake on progress." While The Elders may see child marriage as an appalling practice, they must remember that the elders of many societies around the world still see it as relevant. The Elders must look for ways to reach these elders.

Women Cab Drivers New In Egypt

Early this year women cab drivers started appearing in Cairo, Egypt, breaking the male domination of the profession.

The Parable of Morphine

A recent article from The Economist suggests that Africa needs more morphine to reduce the pain that arise from various illnesses. The article discusses how many in Africa live and die in deep pain that might be alleviated if they could access morphine. The lack of morphine may however be seen as parable for the lack of means to alleviate the painfully difficult lives that many still live on the continent.

Nigeria: Fifty Years After Independence

BBC reports on various aspects of Nigerian life fifty years after independence. Chinua Achebe, Nigeria's foremost literary scholar, gives his opinion on Nigeria's fiftieth anniversary here.

Hear Who Is Talking

In a recent speech at the United Nations, Paul Biya, Cameroon's dictator for about 28 years now, made this disingenuous observation:
"How can we today explain why Africa is the only continent without a permanent member on the UN Security Council? How can we explain the fact that it is unable to make its voice heard when its problems are examined in global economic and financial bodies whereas the decisions taken will be imposed on it?"
Biya seems to be the only one who does not see Africa's weakness in global geopolitics, a weakness that has been exarcerbated by the poor leadership demonstrated by people like him. To wonder why Africa does not have a permanent seat in the security council is to give the impression that such a seat is meant only for purposes of representation rather than as a demonstration of political clout, a thing Africa still does not have. This fake pan-Africanism from Biya is intended to divert attention away from his dictatorial and incompetent governance. As if he would know what to do if given such a seat!

An Error in Judgement?

What do you make of this goal that has turned viral on the internet?

Cameroon Cuts 2010 Budget By 2%

The Cameroon government has cut the 2010 budget by 2% not 50 percent as previously speculated. For more on the reason for the cut, see this piece.

New HIV Cases Decline the Most in Africa

Greater awareness and better use of preventative measures contribute to decline. This is an indication of better days ahead.

Kagame Strikes Again!

As the world continues to praise the strides that Kagame is making in Rwanda, attention is diverted away from his autocratic tendencies. This is the same posture the rest of the world took that enabled monsters such as Amin, Mobutu, and others. One of Kagame's critiques has just been jailed for life for attempting to overthrow the government, a charge that is probably made up. As the world turns away from Kagame's crimes, the more autocratic he becomes. Kagame is a reincarnation of some horrible, first generation post-independence African leaders.

Was There Genocide in Zimbabwe?

The massacre of thousands of people in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe in early 1980s has been classified as genocide by Genocide Watch.

Astroturfing in Nigeria?

A demonstration against the commission set up to fight against corruption in the River State, Nigeria, seems to be the work of some political giants who are using the common people to achieve their political goals. Perhaps the demonstration shows how even the fight against corruption in Nigeria is being derailed by political machinations.

Re-imaging Africa

Various ways are being used to remake the image of Africa. This initiative is one of the latest attempts.

As the Spotlights Turn to Museveni . . .

After Paul Kagame of Rwanda, the spotlights have turned to Museveni's decision to run for the presidency again in 2011 in Uganda. However, Paul Biya of Cameroon, another president who has been in power for longer than Museveni and who will be running again in 2011, has hardly been mentioned in the Western media. I wonder how the media decides who to scrutinize and who leave alone.

Starving the Beast: Cameroon's Budget Crisis

Cameroon is in a budget crisis as ministries seem to be slashing their budgets in mid-year. The budget of the ministry of scientific research is said to have been slashed by about 60%. Although the budget crisis is blamed on limited revenue intake, it appears that the government has something to hide. However, such budget crisis may cause the corrupt Biya government to collapse under its own weight.

Are Tourists Spoiling Ancient Egyptian Ruins?

Watch.

Assessing Nelson Mandela's Legacy: The Rise of Critical Voices

Anyone who knows human nature would acknowledge that the saintly Nelson Mandela, like all saints, has a complex character. This complexity, it appears, has hardly been emphasized. But that is beginning to change with the rise of critical voices.